Terry saga gives Capello captain dilemma

The end of John Terry's first tenure as England captain came at the conclusion of a brutally brief 12-minute meeting with coach Fabio Capello at Wembley.

When Capello stripped Terry of the captaincy in February 2010 after claims of an alleged relationship with the ex-girlfriend of England colleague Wayne Bridge, it was accepted the Italian was making a footballing judgement as opposed to a moral one.

Capello clearly felt Terry's credibility as captain had been damaged and his ability to lead - and perhaps more importantly unify - England's squad was beyond him.

As the Football Association removes the captain's armband for a second time with Terry scheduled to stand trial in July for alleged racist abuse directed at QPR's Anton Ferdinand - and for which he has entered a not guilty plea - the discussions and conclusions will have been much more complex.

When FA chairman David Bernstein canvassed opinion from his other board members, the legal and footballing implications of such a move will have weighed heavily on their minds, as well as the reaction of their coach.

Terry was stripped of the England captaincy in February 2010. Photo - Getty

From the moment Terry became the subject of a Metropolitan Police and FA investigation after the incident in the west London derby at Loftus Road in October, the Italian has been typically unmoved with his own verdict.

Questioned repeatedly on the matter, his stock response delivered in a style which brooked no further argument has been: "Innocent until proven guilty."

It was also the response of a man who had demonstrated his own personal and professional faith in Terry when he reappointed him as captain, to the surprise of many, in March 2011. And only two months ago he was publicly insisting it was a decision that had given him no cause for regret.

So as the FA takes this decision out of Capello's hands, then the fall-out may well stretch all the way to Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. It is also a move that will go against their coach's very public view on the matter.

The FA will have been hoping the course of law would have moved at a speed that effectively took a decision for it, but once the date for the case was set for July it has been forced to act - hence Bernstein's discussions with his colleagues.

With Terry stripped of the captaincy for a second time, the prospect of him ever regaining it will surely be gone forever irrespective of his uncertain form and fitness and the obvious drawbacks of a defender with a long career moving into his thirties.

Capello is now handed the dilemma of whether he should even take Terry to Euro 2012 - as well as the possibility that his former captain may not wish to go.

The player's best days are clearly behind him, although he remains formidable, but few other defenders are making compelling cases to replace him at the heart of England's defence.

He must weigh up whether Terry's presence in the squad, with the FA effectively having sacked his captain, could be a catalyst for further disunity.

Terry may feel he has been the victim of injustice after losing the job on the basis of claims before the court case, while Capello must ensure in his own mind that he is confident Terry will not be a maligned presence around the squad if he does go to Poland and Ukraine.

Capello, despite some unfounded suspicions, still cares deeply about leaving a final mark and a legacy of substance on England as he moves towards the end of his time in charge. His potential reaction will also have been a major factor in the FA's discussions regarding Terry.

His reaction will also have been a major factor in the FA's discussions, but in the end it is clear it found the prospect of Terry continuing as captain unpalatable given the potential ramifications for squad unity and the possibility of the issue overshadowing football business.

The FA will feel it has moved to clear away a cloud that could have been the England squad's constant companion up to and including Euro 2012. Terry's presence as captain will have ensured constant questioning about the very obvious sub-plot to this tournament - but it will not go away if he is still a member of the squad.

Of a more operational concern to Capello will be who should replace Terry.

Capello can hardly turn back to Ferdinand, particularly now the Manchester United defender has ruled himself out of the running for the role.

His form and fitness has been highly suspect in recent times. There is no guarantee he will be a contender for England's squad in the summer. He also has an indirect link to Terry's court case, via his brother Anton.

The notion of Wayne Rooney as England captain has always been rather fanciful, as proved by his red card in the final qualifier against Montenegro in Podgorica. This rules him out as any role as captain at Euro 2012 would be of the non-playing variety as a result of his two-game suspension.

Capello's obvious fall-back option is Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who captained England with distinction in the early stages of their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign when they beat Bulgaria convincingly at Wembley and won in Switzerland.

Gerrard wore scars after leading England through the debacle that was their World Cup in South Africa in 2010, but in reality he was one of the few players to emerge with credit and his captaincy was hardly the cause of that campaign's downfall.

He is, however, only in the early stages of a return after nine months of injury problems and a return to full match fitness will be his top priority. Many felt Gerrard was unlucky to lose the captaincy after his stint at the start of last season and will be regarded in plenty of quarters as Terry's obvious successor.

For a player of such dynamism, Capello had reservations about what he initially saw as his timid personality - but he appeared to clear his mind of those doubts after he took the armband again.

The FA will feel it has removed the possibility of what Reading striker Jason Roberts described as potentially a "toxic" dressing room at Euro 2012.

At the same, though, it may have passed Capello a poisoned chalice with which to toast his preparations for Euro 2012.

Comment number 2.

Realistically the FA were left with no option but to remove the captaincy from Terry, didn't really necessitate these complex discussions described above. There is a problem over who to give it to though. Gerrard should certainly not be a banker to start and giving him the captaincy would be a regressive step.

Is anybody else wondering how journeyman player Jason Roberts is suddenly getting so much credibility in his views? I heard one of his radio shows and he just spent the whole time spouting utter garbage.

Comment number 4.

I'm surprised the F.A has taken so long to make their stance clear. Considering the media spotlight has been pointed on the presence of racism in football for various weeks now - first with the Suarez-Evra case, then with John Terry - it is surprising the F.A have waited so long to express their opinion that Terry should give up the arm band.

The only natural successor is undoubtedly Steven Gerrard. He as been a magnificent captain over the years for Liverpool, and was never really given a chance to shine as England skipper. Gerrard has the dynamism, commitment and leadership skills necessary to guide England to a successful Euro 2012.

Comment number 5.

INNOCENT TILL PROVEN GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the FA will look stupid if he is found innocent. what a joke. the last time we stripped him of captaincy look what happened at the world cup!!!!! good luck to the FA trying to find anyone as good as terry to be captain.

Comment number 6.

The route cause of these problems is the unnecessary creation of a full-time post of England captain.All that's needed is someone to be chosen to wear the armband for each match and that choice only needs to be made once the starting 11 has been chosen.

Comment number 7.

Yes, it is innocent until proven guilty, but there is a surprising lack of support from his fellow professionals, and do we want to look back on our 3 games at Euro 2012 and say the country was lead by a racist if he is found guilty?

Apart from anything else, letting him keep his grip on the armband guarantees him a starting place, which I don't think he warrants.

Add to that the latest in a line of divisions that it might create in the camp, it can not be.

Teachers get suspended, police get suspended, heads of Councils get suspended, just while the charges are brought and fought. Why is football any different?

Comment number 8.

Speaking of which...if i was Harry Redknapp i would seriously consider 'doing a Sir Alex' and refusing interviews with the BBC, for the way his trial is being reported. 'Redknapp admits lying about cash' is the way Auntie summarises yesterday's proceedings. In fact he lied about it to a News of the World reporter who was sniffing around for a story. Hang on a minute - the News of the World - where have i heard about them?

:scratcheshead: :furrowsbrow:

- wasn't that the 'sewage outlet' that had to be shut down last year for routinely breaking the law by eavesdropping on private conversations, even to the point of hacking into the phone of a missing schoolgirl, in the hope of digging up a story?

Comment number 11.

Alliterative is correct, stop making a full time captain, not needed. What worries me is that Gerrard will now be made captain and here we go all over again, yet another tournament failure. Terry has not played well enough to justify being in the team never mind being captain, Neither has Gerrard. Time to drop them both, and Lampard and Rooney while we are at it. Lets use this chance to start afresh.

Comment number 15.

By the time the Euros come around I would be disappointed, purely on a football basis, if Terry even made the team. In regards to captaining England if he is picked I do think that the armband should be passed on (Hart would be my choice) but for footballing reasons. There would be too much distraction placed on the team if Terry led it although the FAs choice may be made by looking at how the rest of the squad take to him.

Comment number 20.

The England captaincy is a position of honour, and should only be given to those who can be respected as people, not just to individuals who show leadership skills in the dressing room and on the pitch. JT, having been caught up in a second scandal resulting in him being stripped of the armband, is clearly not the person to do this and I for one think this is the correct decision by the FA.

Comment number 21.

Comment number 22.

The FA have made themselves look so stupid..again. 1) Why did they not do this from the start?2) Why even give him back the captaincy back in the first place?3) Why not suspend him playing for England until the verdict had taken place? (and yes Steven Gerrard should have had the same done to him while his court case was ongoing)

For what my view is worth, even if the allegations weren't brought, he wouldn't even be in my starting XI anyway.

Comment number 26.

Another dreadful mess from the FA. They have known about this situation for months but have done nothing about it. They should have removed Terry as captain until this case has been resolved. Regardless of whether Terry is found guilty or not, it isn't about him, its about the England team and what is best for them.

Terry shouldn't be in the starting eleven for footballing reasons anyway. He is too slow and frankly isn't in very good form for Chelsea this season. People talk about him being a great captain but he has had so many problems and issues in recent years, I don't see how he could create a team spirit in the dressing room. What happens if Capello fancies taking Wayne Bridge to the Euros.....

Personally I'd give the captaincy to Joe Hart. You know he will play every match if fit, you know he is going to be around for many years and you know he has complete respect from his peers and the media. England should have moved on from Terry as player and captain after South Africa but they haven't. More proof that Capello isn't worth his ridiculous wages.

Other options are Gerrard, Barry or perhaps Parker. All would do a fair job but won't be around for long. Hart could potentially be the keeper for the next ten years, that kind of stability as captain would be a great foundation. His talent and form mean he fully justifies his selection, unlike Terry.

Comment number 27.

Typical FA lynching - following the gutter press like politicians, rather than backing their players and manager.If they kicked out every player who had had an affair, or been in trouble with the law, we'd be playing (most of) our under-16 squad.The question now is, who chooses the team - Capello or the FA board? And if it's the latter, why do we need Capello?

Comment number 29.

The hysteria surrounding John Terry (which led to the charge in the first place) is clearly indicated by the number of people saying he shouldn't be in the team, he's a horrible person etc etc. Like it or not, John Terry remains one of the two best central defensive options England have, and this all smacks of a vendetta to remove him from the team.

Independent of that, it is difficult to see how he can remain as captain so the FA is perhaps making the right decision. However the path that has led to it leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth.

I'd have Scott Parker, or even Joe Hart as captain if Terry has been removed. They need to be assured of a place in the side, and it shouldn't be Wayne Rooney. Ashley Cole as captain would only provide the baying masses another horse to get on.

Comment number 31.

Yet again the FA have shown themselves incompetent, a decision which is completely unnecessary and yet again draws unwanted light onto the national team before a major tournament. What makes it ludicrous is that they have gone against the manager to take action...and England wonder why they haven't reached a final since '66.

If the FA wanted to act and show a 'stance' against whats happened then the answer is simple, ban him from football until the hearing, club and country. This decision is nothing short of ridiculous, this man will board the plane and fly out with the national team, only difference is that he won't have the armband...and yet again Englands squad fabric is split and they fall apart.

Comment number 32.

Joe Hart for the captaincy. He is the only person gaurunteed a game in teh team. All the rest are disposable considering the younger talent coming through. Terry has been finished for close to two seasons and he obviously does not have a shread of moral scruples.

With regard the FA going over Cappellos head, does it really matter? he'll be gone shortly and the likelyhood of england actually competing for medals in the summer is very slim, unless he decides to have a bit courage and cut the dead weight from the team: lampard, rooney, terry, cole etc. they have had their chance and failed on every occassion. Id stick gerard in the middle for his experience. retaining the ball has never been engalnds strong point, they should rely on the speed and agility of players like sinclair etc. if they do not and revert to type its bye bye after 3 games.

Comment number 33.

England again making mountains out of mole hills about who wears a piece of cloth round their arm. The other, more successful countries, just give it to the players with the most caps...which seems the most logical thing to do.

p.s I agree with the 2nd comment. Jason Roberts should be banned from the media. A second rate footballer with third rate views on football. Why he is getting so much air time is beyond me.

Comment number 34.

I think playing for England and being the England captain are two different things.

To play for England, you need to be amongst the best players in your position. To captain England, you also need to have the best character amongst the England team. It's there where I personally find Terry unsuitable.

Comment number 35.

England cannot go into a major tournament with the eyes of the world watching captained by a man accused of prejudice and discrimination. Take the armband, never give it back......Terry is part of the old guard that slowly need to give way to the emerging talent that England has. In my opinion there is one player qualified above all others to captain England.........Scott Parker. Leads by example, in fine form (so will play) and a credit to his professionals

Comment number 36.

Re: 17 and 21Have to say whilst I dont agree with the conspiracy theory of AutieLeft the treatment of Suarez does seem harsh. He admitted it (he didnt have to and only did because he didnt see what was wrong ) and gets 8 match ban. Terry doesn't admit even though there is far more collaborating evicence and gets to play all season and represent England - FA you are a joke.

Comment number 37.

Should have been stripped straight away when allegations were first made. Whole 'who should be captain' debacle is a joke, they should do it the Italian way and make the player with the most caps the armband. Should be 11 leaders on the pitch anyways.

Comment number 38.

What people are forgetting is that in ANY other walk of life, an employer with something as serious as this hanging over him would be suspended until the case was concluded.so the whole innocent until proven guilty argument holds no water.

Comment number 39.

Give it to Phil Jones. It's painfully obvious that he's going to be the mainstay of the england team for years. Giving it to gerrard would be a temporary solution, as I doubt he will be anywhere near the squad come 2014, same goes for barry and parker.

As for suggestions of hart? Why? As a keeper he's hardly going to have that much influence on the rest of the team. Not to mention when you look at the england team and say "leader" joe hart is hardly on the periphery of your lips.

Comment number 42.

When Scott Parker was at West Ham he demonstrated what difference a proper captain can make. I quote the Daily Mail from the 14th of February last year:

They entered the visitors' dressing room at half-time with a whimper, and 3-0 down to West Bromwich, but left with a roar and a 3-3 draw. A Churchillian address had been made and was going to save the day. A speech to rally the downhearted set a fire raging in everyone's belly and even, dare we say it, brought a tear to the eye.It was Carlton Cole who broke the universal code about what goes on in the dressing room staying in there when he was asked for an explanation behind the latest instalment in the Hammers' weekly Jekyll and Hyde show. 'Our captain, Scott Parker, was inspirational at half-time,' he said, 'I told him when I came off the pitch at the end that he had given me so much motivation. 'He showed a lot of passion in the second half and it just spurred us on. I've never seen him like that. I was like, ''Wow, this is the real deal''. I can't explain that first half, it was diabolical. But it was like a new team out there in the second half.'

Comment number 46.

Presumably Terry will face an FA charge in relation to the Ferdinand incident, once the legal process has been completed (whatever the result because the standard of proof is different at an FA tribunal to that in a criminal court). Otherwise one would have the absurd situation of Suarez getting a lengthy ban but not facing a criminal sanction whilst Terry because he faced a criminal allegation (which as it happens only carries the maximum of a modest fine) totally avoids any FA punishment. Does anyone know what the FA stance is on this?

Comment number 49.

To be fair, there's no way he can be England captain until the court case is done with!! Its his and chelsea's own fault though for asking for such a delay to the court case, if they had got it over and done with in the next month or so then a decision could of been made either way, if he was innocent, no problem, guilty, then take the captaincy away!!While it is still ongoing, you can't let him be captain!

Comment number 50.

This is a far more justified course of action then last time they stripped him. Having an affair? You could find far murkier stories on the other candidates at the click of a mouse.

There is a real problem over who to appoint as captain. Rooney has pretty much ruled himself out with his ban and it's fair to say his temperament isn't best-suited to the job, and he's also probably not a great talker. Gerrard would be a regressive choice in handing it to another 'old boy', I know he's got himself fit again but he's not the player he was and shouldn't be an automatic selection, which he would be if captain. Ferdinand is a ludicrous suggestion as he shouldn't be anywhere near the side, and the other 'regulars' like Cole and Barry are just not the right men. Stripping all that away, you're left with Hart and Parker. A youngster of still very limited experience, or an older player who has barely been a regular starter and still has question marks over his ability against bigger sides.

Comment number 51.

Putting aside the fact that Terry should never have been appointed captain in the first place, the decision to strip him for the second time was an obvious one from the moment the allegations were made. Surely Terry's track record alone has led many to believe he is guilty in the matter or even if he is innocent, he certainly does not have the backing of his team-mates like a real Captain should. He shouldn't be in the squad for Footballing reasons and he shouldn't be in the squad for personal reasons either (For example, Joey Barton has been cast aside for many years for personal reasons so why is John Terry any different?). Leave Terry out and just get on with it, he is not needed.

I think Gerrard is the clear choice for the captain when fit, but that is a big question. Other than Gerrard I couldn't think of a single player that would be suitable. This would certainly be a short term solution but perhaps after the Euro's and with a new manager, we could see a younger player take the armband and finally try to build a team together.

Comment number 52.

As has been mentioned, Saurez never denied what he said - so it's a different case.

Gerrard as captain? Of course. But he'll always be second choice. We all know Capello wanted Terry as his captain, no-one else.

As for Terry himself - he shouldn't go at all. He should remove himself from selection to the England team. His loyalty won't let him though.

In fact, I'd like to see all the Chelsea players withdraw. It's not like we don't need to rebuild. What's the point of another wasted trip into a tournament we won't win? Give the players a rest, we need all the help we can get next season!

Tough on Sturridge of course, because he's young - but nothing would please me more than the Chelsea players withdrawing as a protest. Won't happen though.

Comment number 56.

Terrible decision - so much for innocent until proven guilty, something that our legal system is founded on.

People like heaton323 are very quick to take a stance on a case they know nothing about - what is this evidence that was "sufficent for a conviction?" You dont know, just like I dont. If he is found innocent then what? I doubt your opinion would change. People like you are just using this to attack an unliked player and hiding behind morality - utter tosh

Comment number 59.

Also, this will inevitably lead to a load of nonsense about the FA letting him off. It would be crazy (and probably illegal) to carry out a hearing against Terry on the same facts when it's pending trial. The FA just have to follow suit as to what happens in the courts. The argument is becoming too contextualised because they are professional footballers: I would certainly prefer being banned for 8 games than having a criminal record and hefty fine.

Comment number 60.

Think you'll find that evra does not have "previous". If you're referring to the chelsea game then it was one of the man utd staff that actually lodged the complaint not evra.

Also read the 115 page report. Suarez was found guilty, get over it. He's had his 8 game ban. Get over it. Liverpool wouldn't have done anything with him either (look at his record this season). Get over it.

Comment number 61.

We need to start looking at the team, rather than focussing upon one individual who will...

lead with authority, (i.e. clap and point a lot)lead by example (provide a decent cross field pass every half hour)put his body on the line (wear a blood soaked bandage round his head)take the game by the scrufff of the neck (run round like a headless chicken)

Maybe when a new captain is appointed we can get a another of those ".... will do it his way" headlines which seems to provide some the media with some sort of relief.

Comment number 62.

They may have taken their time over it, but credit where it's due, the FA have made the correct decision and sent out a strong message.

As it goes to deciding the next captain, that's a bit tougher. Gerrard has proven himself to be the best natural leader - Terry included, who is not a leader in my eyes and never really has been - out of the current English players, but how long has he realistically got left at international level? Joe Hart is a strong personality, but giving the captaincy to a GK is always a dangerous step and not one I think we should take.

Comment number 63.

Anyway, of course he should be stripped. To be totally honest he shouldn't have got the captaincy back after his last debacle. The only people in the whole country who want Terry as captain or think he makes a decent captain are Chelsea fans (thanks bestchelseasteven for proving my point) and the majority of big-wigs at the FA that Terry has in his back pocket.

As a man, he is a disgrace, as a player, his form has drastically dipped in the last two years, not that I thought he was typically great to begin with. So he throws himself around a lot, woah! Maybe he would have made a decent defender in the 90's but not now, especially in international games where the forwards are so elusive and so smart. Sorry John, you've got what you deserve!

Comment number 67.

#55 I can only presume you haven't watched him play much. He is a terrible finisher, as displayed most recently by him going to pieces when being put through against Bolton. He also hides behind defenders a lot, has a poor touch and isn't a good dribbler. If he was put up front it would literally just be for balls over the top, and then he wouldn't finish them.

Comment number 70.

I'm a liverpool fan and as much as i'd like Stevie to get the armband again, I would be concerned that he could pick up a knock pre-Euros and not go and we'll be left with a stand-in like at the World Cup with Rio. Best option by far is to give it to Joe Hart. Anyone who's watched him will know he's got a presence, he makes himself heard, and will be in the team come what may. Wayne Rooney is a marvellous player but can't shake his petulant side. The sending off against Montenegro alone should stop him from captaining the side for a few more sides, one day perhaps. Phil Jones as a candidate is ridiculous. Far too young, barely any caps, still doesn't have a solidified position in the united team let alone for England. Like Rooney, maybe in the future.

Comment number 71.

If John Terry even cared about England as he wants to look, why didn't he do the honourable thing- RESIGN as he awaited the conclusion of investigations?For his replacement, I don't think Steven Gerrard is the best option; he's always injured and is also past his best. Why not think of the likes of Joe Hart, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jack Wilshere? All these are role models who would be very capable of leading the Three Lions. Not only are the young and energetic, they are England's present and future. Over to you.

Comment number 72.

Can't we bring back David Beckham or perhaps Kevin Keegan?Or better still Prince Andrew when he gets back from the Falklands.Or maybe any of the Barcelona team - what's being English got to do with the England football team?And 'Arry could be manager (if he's free)

Comment number 74.

What makes you so sure that Sturridge is good for England?Apart from being opportunity-waster, he started showing signs of attitude as well, as noticed in the last Chelsea match. Waving his arms in dissatisfaction? Sturridge?And for England?

England is not the ground for increasing a player's status.It's the ground where the best compete in the interest of their country. And Sturridge is some way behind that level.

Comment number 75.

Auntie you poor little paranoid person, you obviously only hear or see what you want to see. Evra has NOT made these allegations before, just like Dalglish, making up stories, the allegations in the past were made by third parties. Get with the beat baggy. And as I said your club as a whole wore T shirts supporting someone found guilty and admitting making racist comments. And you wonder why the press where against you.

Comment number 78.

This is a blessing for England and Capello now has no choice but to leave him at home. Terry lost his pace a long time ago and be honest, he's never really been 'world class'. In the same position, the Germans, for example, certainly wouldn't take him. Shine the spotlight on Terry and the pressure usually tells - he has too many psychological monkeys on his back now (missing the Champions League penalty, Wayne Bridge fall-out, now this latest saga, plus many other background issues the media have preyed upon in the past). We'll see how he performs on Sunday.

This is a great opportunity to get the new guard bedded-in before the tournament proper and select a less controversial captain in his place. Gerrard is ideal and this coming from a life-long ManU fan. If Terry goes to the tournament then I for one will be a trifle embarrassed. Of course, if Capello stands by him, Terry will be too easy a target for our opponents to focus on, but then again you just know neither of these men is the perfect candidate to lead our country into battle. Capello has already stated he would feel uncomfortable if England ever faced Italy. Unbelievable that the FA has stood by him this long with such a mindset. Hopefully, this is the last foreign coach we have; it doesn't work, it never does. Only Englishmen know what our national pride really means. Bung Harry a few quid and get him in 'treble-strong'! England without an English manager isn't really England.

Comment number 81.

@ 57 sentiments exactly. @61 again sentiments exactly - England captain? disband the team. its one complaint, problem, situation etc after another. the state of FA and the set up in general is astounding.

Comment number 82.

Has anyone noticed how the impending announcement, if made today, would play into Manchester United's hands? I mean, I am a Manchester United fan and I'd do with a psychological damage to a captain whose team we play less than 48 hours later..That's a cheeky one, haha!

Comment number 83.

Your post is the predictable rant of a Chelsea hater. It's just as easy as claiming the only people that want Terry striped are Chelsea haters with an agenda to get one of their own players nominated as Captain. Silly talk.

If we're going to have a captain who is as white as snow - that counts out Gerrard and a good half of the team. Maybe the choice won't be difficult after all then,. --lol--

Comment number 85.

@52. Chelsea's England players aren't good enough anyway and have never been on the International stage. Frank Lampard is great at taking the plaudits at club level with his penalties and deflected shots but at International level his poor technique and lack of creativity (yes, he can play a final killer ball, but can he dictate or control a game?) has been partly the reason why England has struggled in major competitions. Cleverley ahead of Lampard all day for me. In fact, I can see the lineup being a Man Utd biased lineup with a few youngsters.

Comment number 86.

I think the vast majority of people who have posted here agree that Terry should no longer be captain.

In my view he Epitomises the lack of genuine role models we have had in the England team for nearly a decade.

I think it's really interesting that people are mentioning Scott Parker. I think he would be an excellent choice given his obvious ability to motivate and his current form. I don't think we need a long term solution (Phil Jones would be a great shout in teh future), just someone who really cares and is respected by the players and fans alike.

Comment number 91.

I think Scotty Parker should be installed as Captain. A model of consistency and old school footballing values. He can see out Euro 2012 then maybe hand the armband to someone who will have more longevity such as Joe Hart.

Comment number 92.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is no point in criticising FIFA when our own FA is so hopelessly inadequate. The FAs actions seems to suggest kick another player on the pitch and we'll support you and get your ban reduced but be accused of calling someone something racist and we will punish you before we find out if you are guilty or not, and just as long as you aren't foreign we won't ban you domestically.

I have to say though that the current collection of England footballers are a pretty nasty collection of individuals. You really wouldn't want any of your kids to be idolising any of them as virtually all of them have done pretty despicable things at one time or another. What happened to "gentleman" footballers like Bobby Moore, Gary Lineker and Michael Owen?

Comment number 94.

It does seem to me that the actual case itself is being ignored and the football is more important - it isn't.In my opinion he will get found not guilty.In my opinion he's not guilty from what pictures I have seen - his words were : 'I NEVER called you a ..........'.Obviously he was accused of saying it and was defending himself.I am not a fan of the man,nor should he be considered good enough to be in the team anyway in my view but he is being hung by many without anybody knowing the facts and the F.A being the F.A have yet again made themselves look utterly daft and as Ferguson stated 'they are not fit for purpose'.

Comment number 95.

Suarez was guilty for making insulting racist remarks. No one has suggested he is racist. Evra has not had "previous". If you're reffering to the chelsea incident, that was reported by another party. That is all.

Comment number 96.

Can all the people saying it is "time" to drop Rooney please have a word with themselves...

He is 26, not 36.

He is also our most talented striker, whether you like it or him or not.

There is no need for a permanent captain. They go on about how Terry is a leader in the dressing room. Great, then he doesn't need an armband to show that. And let's be clear about his standing, Rio is the boss when he's around. Has been since the youth teams.

Gerrard would make a good captain. He will lead by example on the pitch, and it seemed to improve his performances when he was. It is also far better for a midfielder to be the one calling the shots around the pitch, not a loudmouth defender.

But there is no need for an outright captain. It is an archaic concept. On the pitch you need someone to make decisions and lead them out, so decide that based on the team, but that is it.

And as said before, any other industry the person accused would be suspended until the court decided on their guilt or innocence. Yet another situation where footballers are virtually above the law. No wonder Terry behaves the way he does.

Comment number 97.

I think Phil Jones should be the first choice right back for England and made captain. At 19, he already has the mentality of someone ten years older and would send the right message to young English players, that if you're good enough, you're good enough, no matter what the age. His long term position is centre back but he's prone to mistakes, and right back is the perfect position for him. He has a great cross, a great engine and more importantly a good footballing brain. Micah Richards would be his deputy. Phil Jones for captain.

Comment number 99.

Let's not bother with a captain. If you did an anonymous study (like england rugby haha) then i bet none of the players really respect each other. They're too daft and unfortunatley tangled up in the web that is their own hype.

Comment number 100.

I would love to see Steven Gerrard as the England captain. He possesses all the necessary qualities...He's a loyal, elite 'One Club' Professional Footballer and most important of all he is a native Englishman...and he's good looking too :)

BBC links

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